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Argentina is the second largest country in South America, covering 1.1 million square miles. Although primarily temperate, Argentina's climate also can be varied with extreme heat in the subtropical north and arid to subarctic temperatures in the far south. With rugged mountainous terrain, forested jungle areas, Atlantic coastline ecosystems and arctic regions, this huge, diverse country is also home to 36 national parks. It is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts interested in ecotourism.

Whale Watching

Argentine Patagonia, along the southern coastline of the country, is the premier place for whale watching while in Argentina. The whale watching season runs between May and December, with September and October being the months most likely for success. Southern right whales travel to this part of the Atlantic to mate each year. The cities of Puerto Piramides, Rawson and Puerto Madryn village are where most of the whale watching takes place. Southern right whales are easily identifiable because of the huge growths on their head, their broad, finless back and large, broad flippers.

Birdwatching

Argentina is home to more than 1,000 different species of birds. Birdwatching is a popular ecotourism activity because major motorways connect all of Argentina's cities. This increases the ability for tourists to access the best birdwatching areas. Some popular areas to explore include the highlands of Cordoba, the Ibera marshes and the Iguaza Waterfalls. The blond-crested woodpecker and several species of hummingbirds are frequently at the waterfalls. Look for the rufus-throated dipper and the torrent duck if you plan to visit the Andes Mountains and the Andean condor in the vineyards of Mendoza. The Magellanic woodpecker makes it home in Patagonia. See penguins and a variety of sea birds along the Atlantic coastline.

Nature Safaris

Many nature safaris in Argentina take place in Patagonia. Patagonia is a land of great diversity, with a mountainous region, the flat, barren pampas region and the vast ice fields. Ecotourists often travel to Bahia Bustamante, "seaweed village," to partake in birdwatching, trekking, mountain-biking and sailing opportunities. The Valdes Peninsula is a sanctuary for vegetation and marine life. The Parana River runs in close proximity to Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina. Tierra del Fuego and Los Glaciares National Parks also offer plenty of opportunities for exploration and discovery. Perito Moreno Glacier is among the largest continental glaciers in the world.

Eco-Lodges

An eco-lodge can be a great place to stay while on an eco- adventure trip to Argentina. Eco-lodges vary in style, ranging from small and quaint, to large and spacious. Log cabin lodges often feature traditional heating and designs. Freshwater swimming pools do not contain any chemicals and buildings often contain local materials. Stay in an eco-lodge and enjoy the merging of the outdoors with the indoors, as lodge owners often use fallen trees and other types of foliage to decorate the indoors.